Program Manager

Overview

This position has been budgeted for $5,858.67 per month and is non-negotiable.

The Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering (CCEE) is part of the SDSU’s College of Engineering and offers undergraduate and graduate programs related to designing, building, and maintaining the built and natural environments.

CCEE is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Program Manager to lead the newly funded National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Traineeship Institutional Partnership Pilot (NRT-IPP) program, "Smart Construction, Infrastructure, and Buildings through Education, Research, and Cutting-edge Technology (SCIBER-CT)." Reporting to the NRT Director, the Program Manager oversees day‑to‑day operations; drives recruitment and trainee experience; coordinates internships and industry engagement; manages timelines, data, and budgets; ensures compliance with NSF and university policies; and leads communication, evaluation, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will be a vital "glue" for the program.

Responsibilities

Program Manager, NRT Program

Smart Construction, Infrastructure, and Buildings through Education, Research, and Cutting-edge Technology (SCIBER-CT)

Programmatic Support 45%

• Assist the NRT Director with day-to-day operations related to the program.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, faculty, and external partners.
• Lead the coordination of student-centered activities such as professional development, recruitment, and events.
• Oversee the application and admission process, including disseminating advertisements and responding to applicant inquiries.
• Coordinate student activities and events, such as orientation, annual retreats, and off-campus speakers.
• Manage internship programs by pairing students with opportunities, assisting with logistics, and tracking effectiveness.
• Track trainee progress and completion of program components.
• Provide career development resources to students and organize career-focused events.

Administrative and Financial Management 35%

• Prepare annual reports and collect data for evaluations.
• Manage the program budget, tracking expenses, stipends, and travel.
• Work with financial offices to ensure compliance with university and federal policies.
• Manage and submit program documentation and records.
• Plan and coordinate events, including managing logistics like venue selection, catering, and promotion.
• Handle various administrative tasks such as room reservations and expense reports.

Communication and Outreach 15%

• Act as the main liaison between the program and the university.
• Develop and manage the program website content and other promotional materials.
• Lead recruitment efforts.
• Collaborate with various university departments, including cultural centers and the graduate school.
• Network with other NRT programs and external partners.

Other Duties as Assigned 5%

Qualifications

Knowledge & Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, and database management.
• Experience with administrative systems and financial management
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Experience in program coordination, project management, budgeting, and assessment.
• Proficiency with effective use of AI tools and Chatbots to support daily activities and new initiatives.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple, competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, proactive work style with ability to adapt to changing priorities and learn new technologies quickly.

Education & Experience

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in appropriate field related to program/project, or additional experience may be substituted for the required education on a year for year basis.
• Two years of progressively responsible experience in technical or administrative assignments.

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Master's degree in relevant field.
• Familiarity with NSF programs, particularly NRT or IGERT traineeship programs, policies and procedures.
• Background in construction, engineering, technology, or related industries.
• Experience in graduate education, student services, or STEM workforce development.
• Knowledge of AI, robotics, advanced communications, or immersive technologies.
• Demonstrated experience in large-scale event planning and execution.
• Previous experience with federal grant administration and compliance.

Additional Applicant Information

• Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.  
• Employment decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support. 
• SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.  
• SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.  

Salary : $5,859